Application to the Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter, is open to all individuals. We do not discriminate based on socioeconomic level, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (18 or older), or disability.
Welcome to the Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter, course application process. Please read all the information below before starting the online application process.
The Course: The course will cover topics relevant to restoring, preserving, and appreciating the natural wonders that make up the Hill Country.
Volunteer Commitment: We are a volunteer organization. In addition to the coursework each student must volunteer 40 hours and complete 8 hours of advanced training within one year to become certified as a Texas Master Naturalist.
Fee: There is a $200 course fee for each student which includes the textbook. If you have a book, or are sharing a book, the tuition will be $160. Only one of a couple qualifies for the lower fee. Limited scholarships are available – please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
Service Hours Reporting: Texas Master Naturalists utilize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Volunteer Management System (VMS) online reporting tool to record volunteer service hours. Use of this reporting system is mandatory for all Texas Master Naturalists. All students accepted into the program must learn and use VMS. We will provide training on the use of VMS as part of the training course.
Background Check: All applicants must agree to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department background check. A driver’s license is required to complete the online form. There is no cost to you for the background check. This TPWD background check is mandatory of all Texas Master Naturalists, new and current, regardless of previous or other current background checks. After the initial TPWD background check, background check updates are required every 3 years.
Waiver: Applicants are also required to agree to a media and liability waiver.
There are several steps to the application process. Please read the directions carefully.
STEP 1: REVIEW THE COURSE SCHEDULE
The course schedule can be found here: 2027 Draft Schedule
There is a strict attendance policy for the course. More than 2 missed sessions may result in you to being asked to re-take the course. If you have conflicts with more than 2 of these dates, perhaps you should wait for next year’s class.
STEP 2: COMPLETE APPLICATION
Complete the Course Application Form. Be sure to click on the SUBMIT button when you are finished! Please answer the questions thoughtfully. We can only accept 30 applicants. Note that completing the application does not guarantee a place in the class. After we have received enough applications to fill the class we will close the application process.
STEP 3: EXPECT A CONFIRMATION EMAIL
Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email from us. Sometimes things glitch and an application may get lost. If you don’t hear from us within 24 hours after submitting your application, please contact us right away.
STEP 4: TPWD BACKGROUND CHECK AND WAIVER PROCESS
Because Texas Master Naturalists often work with the public, every Master Naturalist must have a current background check on file with Texas Parks and Wildlife. When we have sufficient applicants to fill the class, we will provide instructions on how to complete the TWPD background check process. On Board approval and successful completion of the TPWD process we will notify you that you are accepted into the class.
STEP 5: TUITION PAYMENT
Once you have been notified of your acceptance, the tuition fee will be due within 10 days. Instructions on how to pay will be provided at that time.
The 2027 Course Application Will Be Live Here on November 1, 2027